Those who dream of becoming the next Bear Grylls need look no further than the eight-week, Summer Adventure Youth Camp at Jupiter Outdoor Center.
Running June 3 through August 2, kids ages 6-14 will split their time between Riverbend Park and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (JILONA) where they’ll take part in an array of immersive, outdoor activities.
At Riverbend Park, campers will participate in enriching land and water activities like canoeing, kayaking, and biking. More diversions await at JILONA, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, water trampolining, touring the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, and cruising aboard the “Love Boat” on the Indian River with a licensed captain.
This year, Jupiter Outdoor Center boasts a new camp director, Victoria Einkauf. “The kids I have met at our summer camps have always loved learning about the wonders of nature and exploring the fun activities we have planned,” says Victoria, who previously served as lead counselor. “I was born and raised in Jupiter and I am excited to share both my knowledge about the area and some of my secret spots.”
Camp activities include:
Archery
Kids will learn the prehistoric art of shooting an arrow. This includes learning bow basics, proper form, and archery safety.
Biking & Hiking
With nearly 10 miles of interconnected trails, hiking through 665-acre Riverbend Park serves up a taste of Old Florida. As they pedal past open meadows and oak hammocks, campers will get a glimpse of hundreds of native species, including deer, bobcats, and great blue heron. At JILONA, trails lead to a scenic mangrove lagoon and the Indian River with postcard views of the Jupiter lighthouse.
Canoeing, Kayaking, & Paddleboarding
Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are peaceful yet exhilarating ways to maneuver around Jupiter’s spectacular waterways. Kids can also access freshwater habitats around Riverbend in a canoe or kayak where they’ll find an abundance of wildlife ranging from gopher tortoises to alligators.
Fishing & Dipnetting
Children will have myriad opportunities to cast their reels. They also will learn the ancient art of dipnetting or catching fish with nets.
Snorkeling
Summer is an ideal time for young ones to investigate Palm Beach’s underwater world with a mask. As they swim in the calm, crystalline waters, snorkelers will watch starfish, butterfly fish, and spotted eagle rays drift by.
Fun at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
Kids will step back in time when they visit the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. They’ll summit the iconic lighthouse, stroll the 120-acre property, and explore historic waterfront exhibits. New this year is an inflatable water trampoline kids can use for hours of bounce fun.
All Aboard the “Love Boat”
Each child will have an opportunity to sail a segment of the 156-mile-long Indian River Lagoon on the “Love Boat” and learn the history and fun facts about the Indian River.
Jupiter Outdoor Center’s Summer Adventure Youth Camp runs daily for eight weeks. The cost for one full-week session is $485 per camper and includes a custom-designed rash guard for comfort and sun protection.
Jupiter Outdoor Center Summer Adventure Youth Camp locations include Riverbend Park, 9060 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, FL 33477, and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (JILONA), 600 County Hwy 707, Tequesta, FL 33469.
